Leadership Updates

Updates from and about ORI leadership, including transition plans, hiring and retirement announcements, and other important information for the NC State research community.

October 27, 2026

ORI Announces Strategic Restructure and Leadership Changes

The Office of Research and Innovation (ORI) has implemented several organizational changes — including creating new and filling open executive leadership positions — largely based on recommendations resulting from an…

December 02, 2025

Behnam Pourdeyhimi to Step Down as NWI Director

After more than 25 years at the helm, Pourdeyhimi will step down as executive director, effective Dec. 31. Raoul Farer, who is currently executive deputy director of NWI, will take over for Pourdeyhimi.

A portrait-style photograph of Vice Chancellor Krista Walton standing underneath the portico between Hunt Library and the Wilson College of Textiles

August 19, 2025

Get to Know Krista Walton, NC State’s New Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation

Vice Chancellor Walton shares how her upbringing on a rural farm helped shape who she is today; what she wanted to be when she grew up; and her favorite part of campus so far.

NC State's Memorial Belltower stands in front of a clear summer sky.

August 14, 2025

Jacob Jones Appointed Interim Associate Vice Chancellor for Research Initiatives

Jones, who is also the director of the Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Center and director and principal investigator of the Research Triangle Nanotechnology Network (RTNN), will keep his academic appointment in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and will continue to serve in his administrative capacities for both STEPS and RTNN.

May 01, 2025

Interim Vice Chancellor Alyson Wilson to Leave NC State

Wilson, the interim vice chancellor for research and innovation, will leave NC State on June 27 to become William & Mary University’s next vice provost for research.

The Belltower is framed with spring flowers on a warm May afternoon. Photo by Becky Kirkland.

March 06, 2025

Nadine Wong Named Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Infrastructure

Wong, who comes to NC State from Duke University’s Office for Translation and Commercialization, will officially join ORI on April 1.